Senior Clinical Coder

The Methodist Church in Britain; Bath; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Staff wellbeing programme

Staff networks

Career development

Job summary

Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Fixed-term clinical coder for 18 months to support the implementation of a new electronic patient record. The role involves abstracting and coding inpatient and day-case episodes in ICD-10 and OPCS-4 to national standards, with data entry from discharge and liaison with clinical staff on queries.

Open at Band 5 for accredited coders and Band 4 for experienced coders without accreditation; accreditation status determines the band.

Qualifications

• NHS accredited clinical coder qualification for Band 5.
• Five GCSEs at grade C or above.
• A level Biology or equivalent work experience.

Responsibilities

• Abstract and code all inpatient and day case episodes using ICD-10 and OPCS-4.
• Enter clinical data onto the Trust information system within the discharge timeframe.
• Follow national and local coding procedures and meet deadlines.
• Liaise with medical staff on queries and access to case notes.
• Raise coding issues with NHS Digital via Team Manager or Professional Lead.
• Mentor junior coders and partake in audits and training.

Skills

Medical terminology

Anatomy & physiology

Clinical coding rules

Excel

Education

NHS accredited clinical coder qualification

GCSEs (five at C or above)

A level Biology

Tools

3M encoder

Millennium PAS

Coding software

Job description

Fixed-term clinical coding post for 18 months at Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, as the trust prepares for a new electronic patient record. The work centres on abstracting and coding inpatient and day case episodes in ICD-10 and OPCS-4 to national standards, with data entered within a set timeframe from discharge, plus liaising with medical staff on queries and mentoring junior coders. The post is open at Band 5 for accredited coders and Band 4 for experienced coders without accreditation, with full-time hours and flexible, home or hybrid working. Accreditation status decides which band applies.

What the job involves

• Abstract and code all inpatient and day case episodes using ICD-10 and OPCS-4 under national and international rules and agreed standards
• Enter clinical data onto the Trust information system for every inpatient episode within the agreed timeframe from discharge
• Follow national and local clinical coding procedures, including those for individual specialties and consultants
• Meet local and national deadlines, working under pressure
• Liaise with medical staff on clinical information and case note queries
• Liaise with porters, medical secretaries, medical records and ward staff on access to case notes
• Raise coding issues locally or with NHS Digital through the Team Manager or Professional Lead
• Identify and address data quality concerns in inpatient recording on the hospital computer system
• Work with clinicians and managers to resolve issues in the clinical coding process
• Support the clinical coding auditor or trainer with internal audit and processes
• Act as mentor to junior coders
• Attend required national and local training and Trust meetings, and carry out other relevant duties

Qualifications

• NHS accredited clinical coder qualification (Band 5 role only)
• Five GCSEs at grade C or above
• A level Biology or equivalent work experience

Experience

• Recent employment in a clinical coding role
• Two years relevant experience with clinical terminology and ICD-10 and OPCS-4, or equivalent demonstrable experience

Skills & knowledge

• Detailed understanding of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
• Good understanding of clinical coding rules
• Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel
• Able to prioritise own workload to meet deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to build relationships with professional and administrative staff
• Attention to detail

Other

• Willing to attend all necessary training and clinical coding workshops
• Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Able to mentor and support junior staff
• Able to analyse sensitive information
• Respects others, non-judgemental, kind and co-operative, proactive, willing to learn and open to change

Nice to have

• Training in all acute specialty areas of ICD-10 and OPCS coding
• Knowledge and skills equivalent to accredited clinical coder standards
• Use of 3M encoder or other coding support software
• Use of Millennium patient administration system
• Understanding of HRGs and payment by results

What’s offered

• Flexible working, with on-site, remote or hybrid options
• Well-established staff wellbeing programme covering physical, emotional, spiritual and financial wellbeing
• Staff networks
• Support to develop career and learn within a culture of learning and innovation
• Extensive package of staff benefits
• Access to the trust pool